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In the Long Run
Every step leads to love.
Genevieve Halliday is spiralling.
She’s been roped into a marathon she has no idea how she’ll finish, her ex won’t stop mansplaining why they should get back together, and she’s just panic-asked a handsome stranger to pretend they’re on a date.
Knox Watson is always on the move.
He’s spent years trying to escape his family’s past, but when his godfather’s pâtisserie is in danger of closing, for once he’s going to need to stick around long enough to find a way to save it.
Enter the Croissants and Kilometres run club.
Sparks fly, but the club is only so popular because everyone ships Gen and Knox’s chemistry. Can they keep up the ruse to meet their goals? And will they admit that their fake romance is turning real?
Join the club and get ready to sprint through this steamy fake-dating romance from award-winning author Emma Mugglestone.
'Richly layered, full of heart, and guaranteed to make you breathless in all the right ways, this sexy and swoon-worthy romance goes the distance.' Natalie Murray
'Tender, funny and perfectly spiced, In the Long Run is filled with heart-fluttering romance and delicious yearning. A thoroughly modern and satisfying friends-to-lovers story that will have you racing through its pages.' Amy Hutton
'I was obsessed with Knox and Gen from the first page — Emma's hit a new personal best with this swoony run club romance! A must read for fans of Carley Fortune and Karina May.' Abra Pressler
Genevieve Halliday is spiralling.
She’s been roped into a marathon she has no idea how she’ll finish, her ex won’t stop mansplaining why they should get back together, and she’s just panic-asked a handsome stranger to pretend they’re on a date.
Knox Watson is always on the move.
He’s spent years trying to escape his family’s past, but when his godfather’s pâtisserie is in danger of closing, for once he’s going to need to stick around long enough to find a way to save it.
Enter the Croissants and Kilometres run club.
Sparks fly, but the club is only so popular because everyone ships Gen and Knox’s chemistry. Can they keep up the ruse to meet their goals? And will they admit that their fake romance is turning real?
Join the club and get ready to sprint through this steamy fake-dating romance from award-winning author Emma Mugglestone.
'Richly layered, full of heart, and guaranteed to make you breathless in all the right ways, this sexy and swoon-worthy romance goes the distance.' Natalie Murray
'Tender, funny and perfectly spiced, In the Long Run is filled with heart-fluttering romance and delicious yearning. A thoroughly modern and satisfying friends-to-lovers story that will have you racing through its pages.' Amy Hutton
'I was obsessed with Knox and Gen from the first page — Emma's hit a new personal best with this swoony run club romance! A must read for fans of Carley Fortune and Karina May.' Abra Pressler
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
21 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
November 6, 2025
There is so much to love about this fun, run club romance story. Set in Melbourne and told through dual perspectives.
I really enjoy how Emma Mugglestone writes her characters and creates a community that I would want to live amongst. I am not a runner, however Croissants and Kilometres run club is something I would really consider, especially the supportive culture and friendly banter.
Knox is a MMC to love, he is insightful, grounded and an active listener. Gen is a fun character, with an ex who is not willing to let her move on with her life.
The chemistry between Gen and Knox is delightful, and I really enjoyed their authentic and reflective conversations.
I am really looking forward another story with this wonderful cast of characters.
4.5 stars (rounded up)
I really enjoy how Emma Mugglestone writes her characters and creates a community that I would want to live amongst. I am not a runner, however Croissants and Kilometres run club is something I would really consider, especially the supportive culture and friendly banter.
Knox is a MMC to love, he is insightful, grounded and an active listener. Gen is a fun character, with an ex who is not willing to let her move on with her life.
The chemistry between Gen and Knox is delightful, and I really enjoyed their authentic and reflective conversations.
I am really looking forward another story with this wonderful cast of characters.
4.5 stars (rounded up)
August 16, 2025
ok this is going to be really brutal so i’ll start of light and we’ll go heavier. firstly i’d like to say that the packaging the book came in was super cute and you can definitely tell this was set in melbourne. also it addressed how much harder it is to be a female runner compared to a male runner and the dangers that women face with running (if this was a bigger plot line the book might’ve been bearable) ok time for critique…
Firstly this is a dual pov romance but both characters sound exactly the same i could not distinguish either of them they had the same voice which was kinda boring. ok time to get harsher.
i’m sorry but this was a modern day trope box ticker. there is a ‘fake dating’ trope, a weird ‘miscommunication’ trope, a ‘one bed’ trope, a ‘she’s the only one who can save him’ trope, a ‘friends with benefits’ trope LIKE OH MY GODDD 🫠 one chapter ended with “it’s the honeymoon cabin. and there’s only one bed” after they’d already kissed and established that he wanted to take her out on a date ?? like ok why the drama for one bed it felt like an emphasis to tick that box off the trope checklist. also the first line in the next chapter is ‘its a big-ass bed’…do with that what you will.
one of the plot lines is that Knox goes viral on TikTok (yes tiktok plays a big part in this book) and is referred to as a ‘croissant daddy’…🥐🥐ANYWAY
SOME REAL DIRECT QUOTES:
i swear on taylor swifts life that no one has ever said my name so reverently” 😭😭
“my hands fumble with the back of her sports bra. if it’s the kind you need an engineering degree to undo, i might cry. my cock definitely will” - THIS IS REAL💀💀😑
“i thought you felt big this morning…but that’s…baguette was right” SORRY WHAT DOES THAT MEAN ?
“they’re spectacular. plump and pink and fucking perfect. more than a handful. an exquisite example of more is more” - he’s talking about her boobs but that’s not even my problem ‘MORE IS MORE???’
Firstly this is a dual pov romance but both characters sound exactly the same i could not distinguish either of them they had the same voice which was kinda boring. ok time to get harsher.
i’m sorry but this was a modern day trope box ticker. there is a ‘fake dating’ trope, a weird ‘miscommunication’ trope, a ‘one bed’ trope, a ‘she’s the only one who can save him’ trope, a ‘friends with benefits’ trope LIKE OH MY GODDD 🫠 one chapter ended with “it’s the honeymoon cabin. and there’s only one bed” after they’d already kissed and established that he wanted to take her out on a date ?? like ok why the drama for one bed it felt like an emphasis to tick that box off the trope checklist. also the first line in the next chapter is ‘its a big-ass bed’…do with that what you will.
one of the plot lines is that Knox goes viral on TikTok (yes tiktok plays a big part in this book) and is referred to as a ‘croissant daddy’…🥐🥐ANYWAY
SOME REAL DIRECT QUOTES:
i swear on taylor swifts life that no one has ever said my name so reverently” 😭😭
“my hands fumble with the back of her sports bra. if it’s the kind you need an engineering degree to undo, i might cry. my cock definitely will” - THIS IS REAL💀💀😑
“i thought you felt big this morning…but that’s…baguette was right” SORRY WHAT DOES THAT MEAN ?
“they’re spectacular. plump and pink and fucking perfect. more than a handful. an exquisite example of more is more” - he’s talking about her boobs but that’s not even my problem ‘MORE IS MORE???’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2025
Super fun! Don’t let the fact you aren’t a runner stop you like it did almost me! This is not just a love letter to running, it’s the funnest community focused, fake boyfriend, spicy, croissant eating rom com of a novel! I wolfed it down and can’t wait for more Emma Mugglestone. Chefs kiss romcom!!!!
May 31, 2025
This book is about two things I never do—running and carbs—so I probably shouldn’t have enjoyed it as much as I did!
It turns out reading about running is way more enjoyable than doing it, and reading about carbs is the closest I get to eating them (thanks for nothing, pancreas!) 🥐
For IN THE LONG RUN, Emma Mugglestone has dished up a swoony, steamy romance that follows the love story of Gen (an adorably awkward bookkeeper with terrible taste in men) and Knox (an Army officer haunted by a troubled past)—two people whose pain and experiences have eroded them into two pieces that fit gloriously together to make a whole.
They’re thrust into each other’s orbit thanks to a new social running group—Croissants & Kilometres—and hijinks and heart ensue.
There’s so much to love about this book. The voice hooked me from page one. It’s fresh and sassy and reads like the shorthand and in-jokes of familiar friendships. Then there are the tropes! Emma has leaned into the stalwarts of the romance genre, proving that using just one trope is for amateurs. I can see this turning into a game of trope bingo!
And finally—my absolute favourite thing—this book offers sharp social commentary on misogyny and sexism, and delivers a male main character who is everything we expect and deserve: an attentive listener, an enthusiastic consent-seeker, and an advocate for women’s rights.
This is my favourite type of romance novel—one that lives at the intersection of swoon and substance.
It turns out reading about running is way more enjoyable than doing it, and reading about carbs is the closest I get to eating them (thanks for nothing, pancreas!) 🥐
For IN THE LONG RUN, Emma Mugglestone has dished up a swoony, steamy romance that follows the love story of Gen (an adorably awkward bookkeeper with terrible taste in men) and Knox (an Army officer haunted by a troubled past)—two people whose pain and experiences have eroded them into two pieces that fit gloriously together to make a whole.
They’re thrust into each other’s orbit thanks to a new social running group—Croissants & Kilometres—and hijinks and heart ensue.
There’s so much to love about this book. The voice hooked me from page one. It’s fresh and sassy and reads like the shorthand and in-jokes of familiar friendships. Then there are the tropes! Emma has leaned into the stalwarts of the romance genre, proving that using just one trope is for amateurs. I can see this turning into a game of trope bingo!
And finally—my absolute favourite thing—this book offers sharp social commentary on misogyny and sexism, and delivers a male main character who is everything we expect and deserve: an attentive listener, an enthusiastic consent-seeker, and an advocate for women’s rights.
This is my favourite type of romance novel—one that lives at the intersection of swoon and substance.
August 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this one!
It’s set in Melbourne, basically somewhere with easy access to the bay and revolves around Gen, a woman who is kind of rebuilding her life after a betrayal. She’s striking out on her own as an independent bookkeeper and is close to her sister, who runs a gym nearby with her husband. Gen also likes to run and her sister signs her up to do a marathon – and then help out with the run club put together that’s linked to the gym.
I don’t like to run. If I am running, something or someone is chasing me and I’m probably in fear for my life. However this book made it seem so fun! The run club sounded like such a great and supportive group and there’s something to be said about setting a goal, working towards it and achieving it.
This is a dual narrative and the other point of view is Knox, whom Gen meets when she kind of asks him to help her out with something and then it turns out that not only is he staying with someone she knows in her building, he also joins the run club. Knox and Gen have an attraction but each kind of think that the other isn’t really interested in them but a video of them at run club goes viral and they kind of ‘lean in’ to it for different reasons. Knox really wants to help someone important to him and this added attention and popularity of the run club could definitely do that. Gen is trying to discourage someone from pursuing her after she’s expressed her lack of interest and also, both of them just really like spending time with each other. However this is temporary as Knox is in the army and he’s currently on leave from his posting interstate.
I really liked all of the characters in this. Gen is relatable and I loved her relationship with her sister and also how willing she was to step in and help her neighbour and just generally all round be kind of ready to do things. She helps her sister too, when required, which is how she ends up running the run club although mostly Knox takes that over for her as being in the army, he’s kind of used to leading people. Gen’s background was interesting – she’s feeling quite guilty over something that wasn’t her fault at all, but she lost a lot over it. She’s trying to re-establish herself and find clients and going viral in a video with Knox was definitely not on her to-do list but she also can’t deny the advantage it could bring. Likewise Knox was fun too – he’s in town only temporarily to help out someone that means a lot to him and while he’s here, he’s realised that things are much worse than he’s been led to believe. He wants to help the person who helped him so much when he was younger, to ‘give it back’. Knox is a closed off person in a lot of ways, he’s been through a lot but he finds himself getting attached to Gen and starting to look at life a bit differently. His priorities are shifting.
I also loved that this book featured Bright, which is one of my favourite places in Victoria. I’ve been there three times only – and it was all as a ‘stop’ or a base when my oldest son went to an immersion school experience about an hour past Bright. But it’s absolutely stunning. I’d love to go back there for a week and explore that area properly and the Victorian High Country is not something I see represented too often in fiction. They were only there briefly for an event, but it was nice to see characters exploring different places that I don’t come across too often and even better, a place I am familiar with and really love.
The romance worked for me too. I’m not a TikTok person so I didn’t really care about the use of it to market and promote the run club, nor the cosying up to the three influencers but you can’t deny the effectiveness of it at the moment, it’s changed the game in a lot of industries (books being a really obvious one). But I liked the time they spent together and I think this definitely qualifies as a pretty slow burn romance, it is given time to simmer and build even as it explores the fake dating trope. I also really liked Knox’s army friend (known as Yeti) and the ways in which Knox learns to accept that he’s not his past, he’s not people connected to him, he’s his own person and people can see him for that. And he can build something.
It means a lot when I say that this made me think that running might be fun? And I don’t think I’ve ever thought that.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review***
It’s set in Melbourne, basically somewhere with easy access to the bay and revolves around Gen, a woman who is kind of rebuilding her life after a betrayal. She’s striking out on her own as an independent bookkeeper and is close to her sister, who runs a gym nearby with her husband. Gen also likes to run and her sister signs her up to do a marathon – and then help out with the run club put together that’s linked to the gym.
I don’t like to run. If I am running, something or someone is chasing me and I’m probably in fear for my life. However this book made it seem so fun! The run club sounded like such a great and supportive group and there’s something to be said about setting a goal, working towards it and achieving it.
This is a dual narrative and the other point of view is Knox, whom Gen meets when she kind of asks him to help her out with something and then it turns out that not only is he staying with someone she knows in her building, he also joins the run club. Knox and Gen have an attraction but each kind of think that the other isn’t really interested in them but a video of them at run club goes viral and they kind of ‘lean in’ to it for different reasons. Knox really wants to help someone important to him and this added attention and popularity of the run club could definitely do that. Gen is trying to discourage someone from pursuing her after she’s expressed her lack of interest and also, both of them just really like spending time with each other. However this is temporary as Knox is in the army and he’s currently on leave from his posting interstate.
I really liked all of the characters in this. Gen is relatable and I loved her relationship with her sister and also how willing she was to step in and help her neighbour and just generally all round be kind of ready to do things. She helps her sister too, when required, which is how she ends up running the run club although mostly Knox takes that over for her as being in the army, he’s kind of used to leading people. Gen’s background was interesting – she’s feeling quite guilty over something that wasn’t her fault at all, but she lost a lot over it. She’s trying to re-establish herself and find clients and going viral in a video with Knox was definitely not on her to-do list but she also can’t deny the advantage it could bring. Likewise Knox was fun too – he’s in town only temporarily to help out someone that means a lot to him and while he’s here, he’s realised that things are much worse than he’s been led to believe. He wants to help the person who helped him so much when he was younger, to ‘give it back’. Knox is a closed off person in a lot of ways, he’s been through a lot but he finds himself getting attached to Gen and starting to look at life a bit differently. His priorities are shifting.
I also loved that this book featured Bright, which is one of my favourite places in Victoria. I’ve been there three times only – and it was all as a ‘stop’ or a base when my oldest son went to an immersion school experience about an hour past Bright. But it’s absolutely stunning. I’d love to go back there for a week and explore that area properly and the Victorian High Country is not something I see represented too often in fiction. They were only there briefly for an event, but it was nice to see characters exploring different places that I don’t come across too often and even better, a place I am familiar with and really love.
The romance worked for me too. I’m not a TikTok person so I didn’t really care about the use of it to market and promote the run club, nor the cosying up to the three influencers but you can’t deny the effectiveness of it at the moment, it’s changed the game in a lot of industries (books being a really obvious one). But I liked the time they spent together and I think this definitely qualifies as a pretty slow burn romance, it is given time to simmer and build even as it explores the fake dating trope. I also really liked Knox’s army friend (known as Yeti) and the ways in which Knox learns to accept that he’s not his past, he’s not people connected to him, he’s his own person and people can see him for that. And he can build something.
It means a lot when I say that this made me think that running might be fun? And I don’t think I’ve ever thought that.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review***
August 10, 2025
In The Long Run by Emma Mugglestone
5 🌟
I absolutely ate this story UP! I fell in love with Knox so quickly, and if he were a real person, the green flag guy from TikTok would love him 💚. The level of self-reflection and straight-talking conversations that happen with the MCs made me so happy, and the chemistry between Knox and Gen was through the roof. And Gen's awkward rambling because Knox is so attractive?? Damn, that's relatable 😂 The found family elements were so heartwarming, and I wanted to hug several of the characters on multiple occasions. And I am not a runner by nature, but this book makes me want to try! On a higher level, I loved Emma's writing! She made me feel connected to the characters, both main and side, and I was rooting for everyone. The way she describes surroundings and situations draws me in, and her plot kept me hooked until the last page. I sincerely hope we get more stories for this fab group of characters, and I definitely need to go and read her other books 🧡🩷
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the privilege of an arc in exchange for an honest review!
5 🌟
I absolutely ate this story UP! I fell in love with Knox so quickly, and if he were a real person, the green flag guy from TikTok would love him 💚. The level of self-reflection and straight-talking conversations that happen with the MCs made me so happy, and the chemistry between Knox and Gen was through the roof. And Gen's awkward rambling because Knox is so attractive?? Damn, that's relatable 😂 The found family elements were so heartwarming, and I wanted to hug several of the characters on multiple occasions. And I am not a runner by nature, but this book makes me want to try! On a higher level, I loved Emma's writing! She made me feel connected to the characters, both main and side, and I was rooting for everyone. The way she describes surroundings and situations draws me in, and her plot kept me hooked until the last page. I sincerely hope we get more stories for this fab group of characters, and I definitely need to go and read her other books 🧡🩷
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the privilege of an arc in exchange for an honest review!
August 7, 2025
ARC Review: In The Long Run by @emma.mugglestone published by @penguinbooksaus and supplied by @netgalley
Release date: 12 August 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Congrats to Emma on her first trad published booked! I loved her Wattle Junction series and was so keen to check out In The Long Run the minute the earc became available.
Now if you ever see me running, it’s because I’m being chased by a killer clown or something just as bad. In saying that, Emma almost had me wanting to join a run club like our MCs Gen and Knox (almost). I loved the friendship these two built and the slow burn tension was fantastic but when the spice finally hit *chefs kiss*
This book has so many good romance tropes: fake dating, one bed, “fuck it” and so many more. Do yourself a favour and check out this book once it is realeased.
P.S. @emma.mugglestone and @penguinbooksaus I’m gonna need a book 2 about Celeste and Yeti (IYKYK) 🥰
Release date: 12 August 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Congrats to Emma on her first trad published booked! I loved her Wattle Junction series and was so keen to check out In The Long Run the minute the earc became available.
Now if you ever see me running, it’s because I’m being chased by a killer clown or something just as bad. In saying that, Emma almost had me wanting to join a run club like our MCs Gen and Knox (almost). I loved the friendship these two built and the slow burn tension was fantastic but when the spice finally hit *chefs kiss*
This book has so many good romance tropes: fake dating, one bed, “fuck it” and so many more. Do yourself a favour and check out this book once it is realeased.
P.S. @emma.mugglestone and @penguinbooksaus I’m gonna need a book 2 about Celeste and Yeti (IYKYK) 🥰
October 19, 2025
this had a really good plot but it lost stars because of how descriptive some bits were. less detailed could have been added for those parts.
September 15, 2025
Can’t say I’ve read too many books from Australian authors but wow! I need to read more 💕
This book was fun, flirty and just overall so so cute.
Bless our MMC the little (not so little 😉) nervous wreck. We’ve all been in our heads but this poor guy lives there. Him learning to want something for himself was so beautiful and I loved his journey 🏃🏻
This book had one of my favorite F*uck it moments 🥹 I squealed!
“If I allowed myself to have a type, she’d be it”
Tropes:
❤️🔥One Bed
👟Found Family
❤️🔥Friends to Lovers
👟Fake Dating
This book was fun, flirty and just overall so so cute.
Bless our MMC the little (not so little 😉) nervous wreck. We’ve all been in our heads but this poor guy lives there. Him learning to want something for himself was so beautiful and I loved his journey 🏃🏻
This book had one of my favorite F*uck it moments 🥹 I squealed!
“If I allowed myself to have a type, she’d be it”
Tropes:
❤️🔥One Bed
👟Found Family
❤️🔥Friends to Lovers
👟Fake Dating
August 13, 2025
I have read all of Emma’s books and loved them, and this one was no different. I adored her Wattle Junction series, so when I found out she was releasing her first trad published book, I was so excited to read it. From the first page, I was hooked by her fresh, sassy writing and the warmth that makes you feel like part of the in-jokes between friends.
Gen, an adorably awkward bookkeeper with a habit of choosing the wrong men, and Knox, an Army officer with a troubled past, are brought together by the brilliance of the Croissants & Kilometres run club. If you are going to run, you might as well be rewarded with a pastry, right? The club becomes more than a backdrop as it grows into a tight-knit community that adds so much heart to the story.
This is not just a swoony romance. It has slow burn chemistry, hilarious banter, steamy moments and deeper themes like misogyny, the highs and lows of social media, and the importance of both biological and found family. Knox completely stole my heart because he is the kind of male lead who listens, respects boundaries and champions women’s rights.
By the end, I was smitten with the characters, the uplifting community and the way Gen and Knox help each other heal. This story is the perfect mix of swoon and substance and now I desperately need Celeste and Yeti’s story.
Thank you so much Emma and Penguin Books Australia for this arc🫶
Gen, an adorably awkward bookkeeper with a habit of choosing the wrong men, and Knox, an Army officer with a troubled past, are brought together by the brilliance of the Croissants & Kilometres run club. If you are going to run, you might as well be rewarded with a pastry, right? The club becomes more than a backdrop as it grows into a tight-knit community that adds so much heart to the story.
This is not just a swoony romance. It has slow burn chemistry, hilarious banter, steamy moments and deeper themes like misogyny, the highs and lows of social media, and the importance of both biological and found family. Knox completely stole my heart because he is the kind of male lead who listens, respects boundaries and champions women’s rights.
By the end, I was smitten with the characters, the uplifting community and the way Gen and Knox help each other heal. This story is the perfect mix of swoon and substance and now I desperately need Celeste and Yeti’s story.
Thank you so much Emma and Penguin Books Australia for this arc🫶
August 26, 2025
The moment I saw a romance book centred around running, I was SOLD. I just knew I’d love it - and I was right!! The only thing I didn’t enjoy? Brand. Or should I say… Bland! (But hey, every story needs a villain, right?)
From the very first chapter, I was hooked - it had me intrigued and laughing straight away. I instantly adored Knox, and the entire time I just wanted to shove him and Gem together like dolls and make them kiss already. Hehe.
The running element absolutely stole my heart. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a sports romance about running before, so I was beyond thrilled. All the little references had me grinning like an idiot at the pages.
I also loved the banter, the silliness, even the awkward moments between Knox and Gem. The way he cares for her is so sweet and gentlemanly - it gave me all the warm fuzzies. There were so many laugh out loud lines that I had to write down, and a few I reread multiple times just for the joy of it.
Overall, this is such a fun, feel-good romance. The running aspect made it extra special for me - as a runner, it’s such a huge part of my life and my therapy, and I’ve met so many amazing people through it. The book captures that sense of community beautifully, and it felt so true to my own experience.
I’m honestly so grateful I stumbled across this story - it’s already earned a spot as one of my favourite reads of 2025!
From the very first chapter, I was hooked - it had me intrigued and laughing straight away. I instantly adored Knox, and the entire time I just wanted to shove him and Gem together like dolls and make them kiss already. Hehe.
The running element absolutely stole my heart. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a sports romance about running before, so I was beyond thrilled. All the little references had me grinning like an idiot at the pages.
I also loved the banter, the silliness, even the awkward moments between Knox and Gem. The way he cares for her is so sweet and gentlemanly - it gave me all the warm fuzzies. There were so many laugh out loud lines that I had to write down, and a few I reread multiple times just for the joy of it.
Overall, this is such a fun, feel-good romance. The running aspect made it extra special for me - as a runner, it’s such a huge part of my life and my therapy, and I’ve met so many amazing people through it. The book captures that sense of community beautifully, and it felt so true to my own experience.
I’m honestly so grateful I stumbled across this story - it’s already earned a spot as one of my favourite reads of 2025!
October 5, 2025
‧₊˚✩ ₊˚⊹♡ A heartfelt story that tells us that no matter your plans, things change. No matter the challenges, you can overcome them. And of course, falling in love is a possibility despite not believing you could. ‧₊˚✩ ₊˚⊹♡
It only takes one encounter for things to get set in motion. And for Gen and Knox, it did just that.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Small town
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ One bed
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Marathon
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Sporty MCs
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ 1.5-2 🌶️
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Slow Burn
If you’re looking for a light read or something to get you out of a reading slump, 𝘐𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘶𝘯 has the elements of a cutesy athletic/army romance that will have you swooning.
જ⁀➴ 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.
Overall, I give this title 4/5 ⭐️. I loved the story. I loved the comedy balanced with serious issues/topics. The characters were unique and I really enjoyed that it was different and not too tropey. I’d say it did lose a mark because TikTok was mentioned one too many times for my liking and that when the romance happened, it was great but I feel like it didn’t flow naturally as I thought it would (I mean it did but it didn’t at the same time). But despite that I really did enjoy the story.
It only takes one encounter for things to get set in motion. And for Gen and Knox, it did just that.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Small town
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ One bed
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Marathon
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Sporty MCs
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ 1.5-2 🌶️
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Slow Burn
If you’re looking for a light read or something to get you out of a reading slump, 𝘐𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘶𝘯 has the elements of a cutesy athletic/army romance that will have you swooning.
જ⁀➴ 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.
Overall, I give this title 4/5 ⭐️. I loved the story. I loved the comedy balanced with serious issues/topics. The characters were unique and I really enjoyed that it was different and not too tropey. I’d say it did lose a mark because TikTok was mentioned one too many times for my liking and that when the romance happened, it was great but I feel like it didn’t flow naturally as I thought it would (I mean it did but it didn’t at the same time). But despite that I really did enjoy the story.
August 30, 2025
This was such a cosy, heartwarming romance with just the right dash of spice. Gen and Knox hit it off right from the starting blocks, but theirs is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers kind of race to the finish line. I loved the whole Croissants and Kilometres running club—it felt fresh, fun, and unique.
But this story isn’t just about romance. It also weaves in contemporary issues like the highs and lows of social media, women’s safety, and, at its core, the universal need to belong.
A read that goes the distance with both heart and depth—and proves love is always more of a marathon than a sprint.
Loved it 🏃♂️ 🏃♀️ 🧡🩷
But this story isn’t just about romance. It also weaves in contemporary issues like the highs and lows of social media, women’s safety, and, at its core, the universal need to belong.
A read that goes the distance with both heart and depth—and proves love is always more of a marathon than a sprint.
Loved it 🏃♂️ 🏃♀️ 🧡🩷
September 8, 2025
This heartwarming, hilarious romcom has it all.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gen is unlucky in love and in a quick hasty decision, roped in to competing in a marathon. While she does run, she isn’t a long distance running and knows she must commit to training. Knox has a troubled past and has avoided staying in one place for too long. But when his wonderful godfather Eugene’s popular patisserie is in trouble he rushes to help keep it a float.
When a fantastic meet cute brings these two unlikely people together and a run club idea is born that will help both of them out of their current predicaments
Tropes galore such as fake dating, slow burn, one bed, men in uniform 🔥
Touching on so many current discussion points as well as tough topics such as stalking, online trolling and women’s safety
Plus there is also the fabulous banter and very real life situations interwoven into the story so effortlessly (the Strava mention 🙌 IYKYK)
Knox is dreamy, assertive and tender all wrapped up in a sexy runner, the ultimate book boyfriend 🙌
Gen is an honest, warm FMC who you are cheering for so quickly. You want to run with her and be in her corner, she is so relatable
I binged this wonderful book in two sittings, if it’s not on your radar, add it to your TBR now!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gen is unlucky in love and in a quick hasty decision, roped in to competing in a marathon. While she does run, she isn’t a long distance running and knows she must commit to training. Knox has a troubled past and has avoided staying in one place for too long. But when his wonderful godfather Eugene’s popular patisserie is in trouble he rushes to help keep it a float.
When a fantastic meet cute brings these two unlikely people together and a run club idea is born that will help both of them out of their current predicaments
Tropes galore such as fake dating, slow burn, one bed, men in uniform 🔥
Touching on so many current discussion points as well as tough topics such as stalking, online trolling and women’s safety
Plus there is also the fabulous banter and very real life situations interwoven into the story so effortlessly (the Strava mention 🙌 IYKYK)
Knox is dreamy, assertive and tender all wrapped up in a sexy runner, the ultimate book boyfriend 🙌
Gen is an honest, warm FMC who you are cheering for so quickly. You want to run with her and be in her corner, she is so relatable
I binged this wonderful book in two sittings, if it’s not on your radar, add it to your TBR now!
November 21, 2025
This book was such a joy to read! It's a swoony, steamy romcom set in Melbourne, with a French patisserie, a fun running club (it almost makes me want to become a runner), and two likeable, relatable characters. Gen is such an easy heroine to root for, and Knox is just the perfect book boyfriend. Their banter and their chemistry are flirty and super fun to read, and I just loved the way Knox takes care of Gen. Emma's writing style is just so easy to read, and I was hooked from the very first few pages. Can't wait for more stories from Emma!
August 15, 2025
This one was so fun. I loved the banter and all the funny moments. The vibes were totally vibing! Definitely recommend. There were moments I was laughing out loud. I loved the fact it was Australian: I really need to read some more Australian based books or books from Aussie authors!
Oh and ‘sweet Taylor Allison Swift, Queen of Everything….’ That sold it.
Thank you NetGalley and Emma for the ARC!
Oh and ‘sweet Taylor Allison Swift, Queen of Everything….’ That sold it.
Thank you NetGalley and Emma for the ARC!
July 16, 2025
Not sure I'd ever wanted to run a marathon until Gen and Knox created the Croissants and Kilometres run club - now sign me up!
I loved this book - from the beautiful relationship between Eugene and Knox, to the drama surrounding Alizée’s, the uplifting community that is the run club and of course the steamy, swoony love story between Gen and Knox. I adore how Knox and Gen help each other to forgive themselves and accept they deserve happiness. Definitely recommend this book!
I loved this book - from the beautiful relationship between Eugene and Knox, to the drama surrounding Alizée’s, the uplifting community that is the run club and of course the steamy, swoony love story between Gen and Knox. I adore how Knox and Gen help each other to forgive themselves and accept they deserve happiness. Definitely recommend this book!
July 2, 2025
Wholesome! And very cliche, but in the best possible way.
September 16, 2025
love this!! gained myself another book boyfriend named knox ♡
September 27, 2025
Just a 4 🌟 as I struggled with this one for some reason. I have adored everything Emma has written but this one fell short for me. I think there were far too many book cliches and tropes.
October 31, 2025
Funny, charming, heartfelt, and relatable in so many ways.
A trip to Bright is just what you need sometimes, you know?
May Brand get everything that is coming to him 🙏🏻
A trip to Bright is just what you need sometimes, you know?
May Brand get everything that is coming to him 🙏🏻
May 21, 2025
What a joy this story was! Gen and Knox were both delightful and I fell in love with them from the beginning. I love an empowered FMC with agency and an emotionally tuned in MMC who advocates for women and knows how to cook! (Swoon!)
The witty banter, the rich supporting cast and the satisfying character arcs made this book hard to put down.
Come for the fake dating, stay for the array of baked goods (warning: do not read on an empty stomach!)
In The Long Run is so sweet and satisfying. Loved the Melbourne setting too.
Fans of Elsie Silver and Emily Henry will enjoy this one.
The witty banter, the rich supporting cast and the satisfying character arcs made this book hard to put down.
Come for the fake dating, stay for the array of baked goods (warning: do not read on an empty stomach!)
In The Long Run is so sweet and satisfying. Loved the Melbourne setting too.
Fans of Elsie Silver and Emily Henry will enjoy this one.
October 16, 2025
Thank you so much Penguin Australia for the gifted physical copy in exchange for an honest review!
Fun, romantic and sweet.
A must-read for any romance reader!
Gen Halliday didn’t know how to object to her sister offering for her to take her place in a marathon which is how she’s ended up leading a running group. Gen’s not a people person and she also struggles to say no and stand up for herself, hence why she had to ask a hot guy in a bar to pretend to be her boyfriend so her ex would finally take the hint and leave her alone.
Knox Watson is weighed down by the ghosts of his past, so when he sees an opportunity to help a girl who’s being harassed by her ex, he jumps at the opportunity. Little does he know that helping Gen out once leads to fake-dating, training for a marathon together and having the most fun Knox has had in his life. They always say love isn’t something you can force or predict and damn were they right. Gen is everything he’s ever wanted but never knew he needed, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep her in his life, even if it means diving head first into the unknown.
Gen doesn’t know if she can trust Knox - her last two boyfriends were a major flop but her heart is telling her Knox is different. And every day he proves that - by respecting her wishes, bringing her coffee, protecting her from her ex, looking out for her when training… he’s everything she’s ever wanted, but there’s a countdown for Knox is supposed to be going back to Brisbane in a few months. Will mere moments together be enough? Or does Gen want him to stay forever?
Oh my gosh, talk about giving me all the feels! This was such an easy book to get into and I flew through the pages. I was addicted from the first page and had to force myself to slow down so I could savour the book! I also loved how this one was set in Melbourne - it’s always so nice to read a romance that’s set in Australia!
I laughed, teared up and cheered Knox and Gen on the whole time - they complemented each other so well! This is definitely one of my top reads for the year, and I’d highly, highly recommend if you’re wanting a light-hearted romance that’ll have you feeling everything!
Emma is honestly the next Tessa Bailey and Christina Lauren rolled into one perfect author - the balance between bittersweet and spicy and romantic was utter perfection, and I’m utterly obsessed with Knox and Gen, and can’t wait to read Emma’s next book. I already wish I could read it for the first time again! Hands down, one of the best romance novels I’ve read in ages! I could go on and on about how much I love this one!
Perfect for fans of a fake-dating sports romance full of everything you’d ever want in a romance: a hot fictional boyfriend, forced proximity, found family and an addictive storyline.
Fun, romantic and sweet.
A must-read for any romance reader!
Gen Halliday didn’t know how to object to her sister offering for her to take her place in a marathon which is how she’s ended up leading a running group. Gen’s not a people person and she also struggles to say no and stand up for herself, hence why she had to ask a hot guy in a bar to pretend to be her boyfriend so her ex would finally take the hint and leave her alone.
Knox Watson is weighed down by the ghosts of his past, so when he sees an opportunity to help a girl who’s being harassed by her ex, he jumps at the opportunity. Little does he know that helping Gen out once leads to fake-dating, training for a marathon together and having the most fun Knox has had in his life. They always say love isn’t something you can force or predict and damn were they right. Gen is everything he’s ever wanted but never knew he needed, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep her in his life, even if it means diving head first into the unknown.
Gen doesn’t know if she can trust Knox - her last two boyfriends were a major flop but her heart is telling her Knox is different. And every day he proves that - by respecting her wishes, bringing her coffee, protecting her from her ex, looking out for her when training… he’s everything she’s ever wanted, but there’s a countdown for Knox is supposed to be going back to Brisbane in a few months. Will mere moments together be enough? Or does Gen want him to stay forever?
Oh my gosh, talk about giving me all the feels! This was such an easy book to get into and I flew through the pages. I was addicted from the first page and had to force myself to slow down so I could savour the book! I also loved how this one was set in Melbourne - it’s always so nice to read a romance that’s set in Australia!
I laughed, teared up and cheered Knox and Gen on the whole time - they complemented each other so well! This is definitely one of my top reads for the year, and I’d highly, highly recommend if you’re wanting a light-hearted romance that’ll have you feeling everything!
Emma is honestly the next Tessa Bailey and Christina Lauren rolled into one perfect author - the balance between bittersweet and spicy and romantic was utter perfection, and I’m utterly obsessed with Knox and Gen, and can’t wait to read Emma’s next book. I already wish I could read it for the first time again! Hands down, one of the best romance novels I’ve read in ages! I could go on and on about how much I love this one!
Perfect for fans of a fake-dating sports romance full of everything you’d ever want in a romance: a hot fictional boyfriend, forced proximity, found family and an addictive storyline.
October 14, 2025
⭐ 4.5/ 5
Genre: Sports Romance | Tropes: Fake Dating, Found Family, Mutual Healing
⸻
There should definitely be more books about running — and not just the “hot trainer meets clueless jogger” type, but real, sweaty, mid-long-run existential-crisis kind of running. This one comes pretty close.
⸻
The Plot
Romance meets marathon training, and I was so here for it. We’ve got fake dating, found family, emotional baggage, and some truly elite banter. The plot actually mirrors what a proper training block feels like — chaotic, full of mini dramas, but with that satisfying sense of momentum.
⸻
The Vibes
Running clubs, Garmin jokes, Strava mentions, and the sheer joy/pain of chasing a PB — this book nails the vibe. It’s cozy but energetic, romantic but not overly sugary. And honestly? Reading about people stretching together and discussing pace strategies had me giggling because, yes, that is foreplay for runners.
⸻
Main Characters
The MMC and FMC are both messy in believable ways — they’ve got emotional bruises, life chaos, and genuinely help each other grow. It’s refreshing to see two adults working through their stuff and finding love without it being cheesy.
⸻
What I Loved
✨ The found family energy was perfect.
✨ The running community felt real and wholesome. (Can I get a Croissants and Kilometres hoodie please?)
✨ The humour — especially the Strava and Garmin jokes — made me feel seen.
⸻
What Didn’t Land
The ending. I still have questions.
Was Brand the stalker in the park all along or just that one time? Did he go to jail because he deserved it! Give me a cooldown chapter at least.
⸻
Overall:
It’s fun, it’s heartfelt, and it’ll make you want to lace up your shoes (or at least think about it). Do yourself a favour and read this one — preferably with a post-run coffee and croissant in hand.
Genre: Sports Romance | Tropes: Fake Dating, Found Family, Mutual Healing
⸻
There should definitely be more books about running — and not just the “hot trainer meets clueless jogger” type, but real, sweaty, mid-long-run existential-crisis kind of running. This one comes pretty close.
⸻
The Plot
Romance meets marathon training, and I was so here for it. We’ve got fake dating, found family, emotional baggage, and some truly elite banter. The plot actually mirrors what a proper training block feels like — chaotic, full of mini dramas, but with that satisfying sense of momentum.
⸻
The Vibes
Running clubs, Garmin jokes, Strava mentions, and the sheer joy/pain of chasing a PB — this book nails the vibe. It’s cozy but energetic, romantic but not overly sugary. And honestly? Reading about people stretching together and discussing pace strategies had me giggling because, yes, that is foreplay for runners.
⸻
Main Characters
The MMC and FMC are both messy in believable ways — they’ve got emotional bruises, life chaos, and genuinely help each other grow. It’s refreshing to see two adults working through their stuff and finding love without it being cheesy.
⸻
What I Loved
✨ The found family energy was perfect.
✨ The running community felt real and wholesome. (Can I get a Croissants and Kilometres hoodie please?)
✨ The humour — especially the Strava and Garmin jokes — made me feel seen.
⸻
What Didn’t Land
The ending. I still have questions.
Was Brand the stalker in the park all along or just that one time? Did he go to jail because he deserved it! Give me a cooldown chapter at least.
⸻
Overall:
It’s fun, it’s heartfelt, and it’ll make you want to lace up your shoes (or at least think about it). Do yourself a favour and read this one — preferably with a post-run coffee and croissant in hand.
November 7, 2025
I found this book a few months ago and have had it on my nightstand since. I figured it might inspire me to exercise by osmosis 🤣
I was pleasantly surprised to read that it was an Australian author and set in Australia (Melbourne) too. I’m so glad I bought it when I did because I haven’t seen it in the shops since!
The story is about Gen and Knox. Gen meets Knox when she sits at his table in a bar trying to avoid her stalking ex. They then proceed to have some more awkward interactions (because they are both shy) and eventually a friendship which sees them hosting a run club and training for a marathon.
Now I don’t think I’ll ever be a marathon runner but I do want to start running so this book did inspire me a bit. Enough to take the kids to Park Run tomorrow 😆
Anyway, this was such a cute story with some serious themes too. Knox will always have my heart and I’m adding him to my list of book boyfriends. He’s a sweet, bumbling guy who has a heart of gold and just wants to be loved. Gen is also a lovely person who bumbles her way through most of their early interactions.
Most of the time I think it’s a miscommunication trope but then they talk out their feelings etc (swoon). I love that they built a friendship first and are emotionally mature.
The only thing I wish there was more of was:
What happened to the guy attacking female runners? Was this just something to put in there to show how terrible it actually is out there for female runners?
Did Brand get in trouble for what he did?
Are Gen and her sister okay? I know she was jealous/sad when she wasn’t the first priority in her sister’s life when she met her husband. Then later on, her sister was hurt when she wanted Knox’s help over her own.
I was pleasantly surprised to read that it was an Australian author and set in Australia (Melbourne) too. I’m so glad I bought it when I did because I haven’t seen it in the shops since!
The story is about Gen and Knox. Gen meets Knox when she sits at his table in a bar trying to avoid her stalking ex. They then proceed to have some more awkward interactions (because they are both shy) and eventually a friendship which sees them hosting a run club and training for a marathon.
Now I don’t think I’ll ever be a marathon runner but I do want to start running so this book did inspire me a bit. Enough to take the kids to Park Run tomorrow 😆
Anyway, this was such a cute story with some serious themes too. Knox will always have my heart and I’m adding him to my list of book boyfriends. He’s a sweet, bumbling guy who has a heart of gold and just wants to be loved. Gen is also a lovely person who bumbles her way through most of their early interactions.
Most of the time I think it’s a miscommunication trope but then they talk out their feelings etc (swoon). I love that they built a friendship first and are emotionally mature.
The only thing I wish there was more of was:
What happened to the guy attacking female runners? Was this just something to put in there to show how terrible it actually is out there for female runners?
Did Brand get in trouble for what he did?
Are Gen and her sister okay? I know she was jealous/sad when she wasn’t the first priority in her sister’s life when she met her husband. Then later on, her sister was hurt when she wanted Knox’s help over her own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
I adored Emma’s small town Wattle Junction series and couldn’t wait to see what she came up with next. When I saw it was a sports romance and it had something in it called Croissants and Kilometers I was in (admittedly for the croissants not the marathon running - that sounds awful). It did not disappoint, Emma just keeps getting better and better!
In the Long Run is lovely slow burn, friends to lovers romance featuring Gen and Knox. Told from alternating points of view, both characters were well developed and very relatable. Gen is an accountant who has been unlucky in love and Knox an Army officer with a troubled background. They team up together to run the Croissants to Kilometers running club and help out both their family’s businesses. A social media post about the club sees the two of pretending to date.
Gen is someone who you could see yourself being friends with (and whilst I can’t relate to her running I can relate to being a slave to your Garmin watch!) and Knox is the perfect without being too perfect- he looks after his family, stands up for women and cooks! I loved how they both helped each other grow and accept happiness. The cast of supporting characters were fabulous ranging from those who made you laugh out loud to those you love to hate!
I always love a rom com with a bit of substance and interwoven through were themes of the impacts of social media- both good and bad, misogyny the importance of family- biological and found. Emma’s writing is amazing, there were plenty of laugh out loud and swooney moments, great banter and a bit of spice! For lovers of
friends to lovers, fake dating, one bed, slow burn and man in uniform tropes.
In the Long Run is lovely slow burn, friends to lovers romance featuring Gen and Knox. Told from alternating points of view, both characters were well developed and very relatable. Gen is an accountant who has been unlucky in love and Knox an Army officer with a troubled background. They team up together to run the Croissants to Kilometers running club and help out both their family’s businesses. A social media post about the club sees the two of pretending to date.
Gen is someone who you could see yourself being friends with (and whilst I can’t relate to her running I can relate to being a slave to your Garmin watch!) and Knox is the perfect without being too perfect- he looks after his family, stands up for women and cooks! I loved how they both helped each other grow and accept happiness. The cast of supporting characters were fabulous ranging from those who made you laugh out loud to those you love to hate!
I always love a rom com with a bit of substance and interwoven through were themes of the impacts of social media- both good and bad, misogyny the importance of family- biological and found. Emma’s writing is amazing, there were plenty of laugh out loud and swooney moments, great banter and a bit of spice! For lovers of
friends to lovers, fake dating, one bed, slow burn and man in uniform tropes.
August 9, 2025
From the very first page, this book completely swept me away. The writing style is incredibly easy to read — the kind where you sit down for "just one chapter" and suddenly hours have passed. It's the kind of story that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go.
At a glance, it’s a romance novel, but it's absolutely brimming with emotion, depth, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.
As someone with a background in cadets, I absolutely loved the army references throughout the book. They added a layer of nostalgia that really hit home for me. The small snippet of Violet’s running journey especially struck a chord. Her early struggles reminded me so much of my first few ParkRuns — always coming in last, but slowly finding my people, the ones who cheered me on with every run. Watching her grow and find her strength was incredibly moving. And then there's Yeti — his boundless enthusiasm was infectious! He brought a unique energy to the story that balanced out the more emotional moments perfectly.
Lastly, Gen and Knox… what a couple. They’re the definition of #RelationshipGoals. Their chemistry, their banter, the way they just get each other — it was everything I wanted and more.
This book was such a joy to read — heartfelt, relatable, and quietly powerful. I didn’t want it to end.
“Persistence is usually admirable. Blindly ignoring a woman who asks you to leave her alone is opposite of that. It’s not hard to be a good guy.”
“More like trying to remember to give myself grace when I need it.”
“People make mistakes. How they deal with them is the measure of their character.”
“It’s time to put myself first, Sir.”
At a glance, it’s a romance novel, but it's absolutely brimming with emotion, depth, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.
As someone with a background in cadets, I absolutely loved the army references throughout the book. They added a layer of nostalgia that really hit home for me. The small snippet of Violet’s running journey especially struck a chord. Her early struggles reminded me so much of my first few ParkRuns — always coming in last, but slowly finding my people, the ones who cheered me on with every run. Watching her grow and find her strength was incredibly moving. And then there's Yeti — his boundless enthusiasm was infectious! He brought a unique energy to the story that balanced out the more emotional moments perfectly.
Lastly, Gen and Knox… what a couple. They’re the definition of #RelationshipGoals. Their chemistry, their banter, the way they just get each other — it was everything I wanted and more.
This book was such a joy to read — heartfelt, relatable, and quietly powerful. I didn’t want it to end.
“Persistence is usually admirable. Blindly ignoring a woman who asks you to leave her alone is opposite of that. It’s not hard to be a good guy.”
“More like trying to remember to give myself grace when I need it.”
“People make mistakes. How they deal with them is the measure of their character.”
“It’s time to put myself first, Sir.”
August 16, 2025
Am I considering joining… a run club? Again?
Way back in December I mentioned that two of my favourite books of 2024 were run club romances - Chelsea Curto’s “Dashing All the Way” was one of them, but I couldn’t talk about the other at that point.
The time has finally come that I get to rant and rave and tell you all about the inimitable, exceptionally talented Emma Mugglestone‘s TRAD PUBLISHED (!!) new release, “In The Long Run”.
What. A. Fricking. Beauty. ITLR is an absolute BANGER. From the first word, ITLR is fresh and sassy and cosy and spicy and heartachingly beautiful. There’s a 69 scene that needs to be mentioned straight off the bat because Jesus fucking Christ 🥵🫠 and also the fact MMC Knox just made my top 5 book boyfriends (sidebar: he’s a soldier. New kink UNLOCKED).
IMO, this is Emma’s best work to date - and that’s saying something, because her first three endeavours (The Wattle Junction series) are absolutely astonishingly impeccable. Emma’s writing is unputdownable. She never fails to make me laugh, swoon and pull a thigh muscle and I’m yet to find another author who can hold a candle to Emma’s skill at writing chemistry.
Additionally, there is, as you will become accustomed to as a Mugglestone-r (can I make that catch on 😉), substance not always found in (or expected of) romance novels. Emma deftly looks at family, sexism and social media in ITLR.
Best enjoyed with fresh pastries, read ITLR then go back and discover Wattle Junction - you’ll thank me.
Thank you so much for the ARC PRH and NetGalley - and please accept this as my formal petition for book 2 about Yeleste.
No - and I can’t stress this enough - notes.
Way back in December I mentioned that two of my favourite books of 2024 were run club romances - Chelsea Curto’s “Dashing All the Way” was one of them, but I couldn’t talk about the other at that point.
The time has finally come that I get to rant and rave and tell you all about the inimitable, exceptionally talented Emma Mugglestone‘s TRAD PUBLISHED (!!) new release, “In The Long Run”.
What. A. Fricking. Beauty. ITLR is an absolute BANGER. From the first word, ITLR is fresh and sassy and cosy and spicy and heartachingly beautiful. There’s a 69 scene that needs to be mentioned straight off the bat because Jesus fucking Christ 🥵🫠 and also the fact MMC Knox just made my top 5 book boyfriends (sidebar: he’s a soldier. New kink UNLOCKED).
IMO, this is Emma’s best work to date - and that’s saying something, because her first three endeavours (The Wattle Junction series) are absolutely astonishingly impeccable. Emma’s writing is unputdownable. She never fails to make me laugh, swoon and pull a thigh muscle and I’m yet to find another author who can hold a candle to Emma’s skill at writing chemistry.
Additionally, there is, as you will become accustomed to as a Mugglestone-r (can I make that catch on 😉), substance not always found in (or expected of) romance novels. Emma deftly looks at family, sexism and social media in ITLR.
Best enjoyed with fresh pastries, read ITLR then go back and discover Wattle Junction - you’ll thank me.
Thank you so much for the ARC PRH and NetGalley - and please accept this as my formal petition for book 2 about Yeleste.
No - and I can’t stress this enough - notes.
August 27, 2025
Genevieve Halliday is spiralling and has been signed up for a marathon she has no idea how she’ll finish. Her ex is obsessed with her continuous pressures her to get back together. To escape him she asks a handsome stranger to pretend they're dating.
Knox Watson is always on the move being stationed at different locations with the army. He’s spent years trying to escape his family’s past. But due to unforseen circumstances he's back home and has to figure out how to save his godfather's patisserie.
Enter the Croissants and Kilometres run club. Sparks fly, but the club is only so popular because everyone ships Gen and Knox’s chemistry. Can they keep up the ruse to meet their goals? And will they admit that their fake romance is turning real?
This romance was just fun and flirty and had me laughing so much. As a runner there was parts I could definitely relate to (Garmin telling me I'm unproductive and the side pockets in running pants) and the race prep. Emma has certain incorporated parts of the running world as well as their emotions for running in this book.
Emma also knows how to write chemistry and make a girl swoon. Like the door lean are you kidding me and the awkward babbling that Gen has when she's nervous made me laugh so hard. All in all I absolutely loved Gen and Knox's relationship they always seemed cosy and happy with each other.
But favourite character award needs to go to Brody/Yeti, he's the comedic best friend and I'm here for it.
Tropes:
Nicknames
Fake dating
Running
He falls first
Stalker ex
Thank you so much Penguin Australia for the advanced copy
Knox Watson is always on the move being stationed at different locations with the army. He’s spent years trying to escape his family’s past. But due to unforseen circumstances he's back home and has to figure out how to save his godfather's patisserie.
Enter the Croissants and Kilometres run club. Sparks fly, but the club is only so popular because everyone ships Gen and Knox’s chemistry. Can they keep up the ruse to meet their goals? And will they admit that their fake romance is turning real?
This romance was just fun and flirty and had me laughing so much. As a runner there was parts I could definitely relate to (Garmin telling me I'm unproductive and the side pockets in running pants) and the race prep. Emma has certain incorporated parts of the running world as well as their emotions for running in this book.
Emma also knows how to write chemistry and make a girl swoon. Like the door lean are you kidding me and the awkward babbling that Gen has when she's nervous made me laugh so hard. All in all I absolutely loved Gen and Knox's relationship they always seemed cosy and happy with each other.
But favourite character award needs to go to Brody/Yeti, he's the comedic best friend and I'm here for it.
Tropes:
Nicknames
Fake dating
Running
He falls first
Stalker ex
Thank you so much Penguin Australia for the advanced copy
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